Considered by many to be New Jersey’s Sportfish capital, the City of Cape May is also renowned for its Victorian architecture, quaint bed & breakfasts, incomparable dining, excellent golf, and vibrant arts community. Additionally, Cape May sits under one of the busiest bird fly-ways in the world. No longer simply a summer-time beach get-a-way, the resort has become a destination of choice for boaters and tourists alike from April through Christmas, making it truly a three-season-resort.

History:

Cape May traces its history to the 17th Century small fishing and whaling villages were established nearby. By the end of the 18th Century, Cape May had evolved into a Mecca for tourists. In 1852 Cape May was home to the largest hotel in the world, the Mt. Vernon. Despite destruction caused by fires, storms and changing economic fortunes, Cape May has remained faithful to its historical roots. Lighthouses on the mainland and in the bay, the half sunken concrete ship Alantus, Cold Spring Village, a WWII bunker on the beach, the former Wildwood Naval Air Station, now a museum, Congress Hall, and a wealth of restored period homes all combine to make Cape May a time capsule of our nation’s economic, architectural and military history.

Golf:

South Jersey’s unique soil and level terrain along with our diverse natural foliage combine to offer a variety of challenges to the visiting golfer. Considered by many to be the most naturally beautiful course in the county, nearby Cape May National is one such course. Just up the road, and still located in Cape May County, Avalon and Sand Barrens Golf Clubs provide a change of venue when desired.

Dining:

Dining presents a unique challenge in Cape May. There’s the Washington Inn, Oyster Bay, the Black Duck and the Mad Batter, as well as the Merion Inn, the Ebbitt Room and the Peter Shields Inn, to name but just a few local fine dining establishments.

Breakfast and Lunch have never been a problem since The Saltwater Cafe opened right here at the Marina last summer. Featuring an upscale menu that includes the usual favorites plus unique eclectic additions, The Saltwater Cafe quickly established a reputation as a Cape May “must visit.”

Within walking distance from South Jersey is the C-View, famous for its wings and cold beer. Directly across the street is Lucky Bones with its thin crust pizza and the best Cuban rubbed pork chop north of Havana. Next door, of course, is the world famous Lobster House. The Lobster House presents its own set of difficult choices. Eat inside the main restaurant or go outside to the raw bar. Maybe sip a cocktail aboard the Schooner American, or just order take-out and sit on the dock and watch the offshore fleet come in.

Cape May’s reputation as the restaurant capital of the East Coast is well deserved. It is truly a culinary paradise without equal.

Accommodations:

Lodging, like dining can be a challenge. In Cape May you will find everything from traditional motor-inns, to luxury motels, to the largest collection of intimate bed & breakfasts in the nation. The Chalfonte, Congress Hall, the Southern Mansion and the Angel of the Sea are but four locations that offer this true Victorian experience. A drive down Jackson, along Beach, and back across town on Columbia will afford just a snapshot of what Cape May has to offer.

Night Life:

Martini Beach, Carney’s and Cabana’s, are all situated on Beach Avenue and offer live music and dancing. Cape May’s premier nightclub, the Boiler Room, is located in the basement at Congress Hall. Downtown, the Ugly Mug and closer to home, Lucky Bones also offer live music and dancing.

If the arts and entertainment is your thing, try out Elaine’s Dinner Theatre, or one of the productions presented by The East Lynne Theatre Company or the Cape May Stage.

Wineries:

Some years ago, the sandy soil of South Jersey was discovered to compare favorably to that of the finest wine growing regions of France and California. Consequently, several excellent wineries have sprung up within a stone’s throw of Cape May. One such establishment, the Cape May winery, located just north of the canal on Townbank Road, includes tasting rooms, a store and is available for private receptions.

Over the Past 300 Years...

Cape May has evolved from a tiny whaling village to a premier resort community, without sacrificing an ounce of charm. In the view from the harbor, it is fitting that this evolution has returned to Cape May a reputation as a premier boating destination and the appropriate location for this year’s Strictly Boaters boat show.